Challenger: Can we play for smaller stakes?
Me: Not for a $5k bonus. I will increase or decrease the bonus based upon the stakes.

Challenger: Can we drop the NASCAR?
Me: Sure.

Challenger: Will you escrow the $5k bonus upfront?
Me: Sure.

Challenger: Can we do salary cap instead of drafts?
Me: What if we stay with drafts and I set it up rake free for you?
Challenger: I don't want to play drafts at all.
Me: I will do expert cap instead, but NASCAR must be included.

Challenger: I will need a buyout option.
Me: OK, you can buy out after 12 contests for $XXX. You must escrow as well.
Challenger: OK.

Challenger: I need all contests except NFL to be on weekdays.
Me: This is pretty much impossible. I choose the schedule but you will have weeks (if not months) prepare for any contest. I reserve the right to schedule 2 contests on the same day.

This is pretty much the breaking point in any deal making. I cannot allow the challenger to dictate the schedule when I am providing the overlay (bonus).

It's pretty obvious that the challenger's angle shoot here is to try and flip coins as much as possible for that $5k overlay. Just switching to cap games gives the challenger much more EV.

With all the "championship" series in DFS now, it doesn't seem like my HU challenge is much of a big deal anymore.